City of Cornelius Services &Amp; Utilities

Learn about City of Cornelius Services & Utilities

If you’re wondering how City of Cornelius Services & Utilities work, here’s the simple version: the City handles water, sewer, stormwater, and local streets, while private and regional providers handle power, gas, internet, and trash. This guide explains who does what, how to start service, what to expect, and where to get help.

Quick Answer

City of Cornelius Services & Utilities covers your day‑to‑day essentials: the City provides water, sewer, stormwater, and street maintenance; private providers handle electricity (PGE), natural gas (NW Natural), internet, and garbage/recycling. Police service is through the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (Cornelius Police). You’ll pay the City for water/sewer and separate companies for other utilities.

What City of Cornelius Services & Utilities Means

In Cornelius, “services and utilities” generally include:

  • City-run: water, sewer, stormwater, streets, permits, parks, and the public library
  • Contract/regional partners: police, fire/EMS
  • Private utilities: electric (PGE), natural gas (NW Natural), internet/TV/phone, and garbage, recycling, yard debris (franchised haulers)

This page helps you start/stop service, pay bills, plan for outages, and know who to call.

Why People Search for This in Cornelius, Oregon

  • Moving in and need to start utilities fast
  • Figuring out who handles power, gas, trash, and internet
  • Understanding monthly bills and service schedules
  • Knowing who to call for leaks, outages, potholes, or public safety
  • Getting local help in English or Spanish (many City services are bilingual)

Cornelius sits between Forest Grove and Hillsboro along TV Highway (OR‑8)—about 25 miles west of Portland—so some services are regional and very close by.

What to Expect

  • Water & Sewer (City of Cornelius)

    • The City bills water, sewer, and stormwater monthly.
    • To start/stop service, contact City Utility Billing; you may need a photo ID and a deposit for new accounts.
    • Water is supplied through a regional system; you’ll see an annual Water Quality Report each year.
    • If you suspect a leak, the City can help with a meter check and may offer leak adjustment policies.

  • Stormwater & Streets (City of Cornelius)

    • Expect heavy rain in fall/winter. Keep street drains clear of leaves to reduce flooding.
    • The City prioritizes main routes during snow/ice. TV Highway (OR‑8) is managed by the state.
    • You can report potholes, downed signs, and drainage issues to Public Works.

  • Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Debris (Franchised Haulers)

    • Weekly garbage; every‑other‑week recycling and yard debris are typical.
    • Service days vary by address; your hauler provides carts and pickup calendars.
    • Bulky item pickup is available for a fee. For hazardous waste, use regional drop‑off events or Metro facilities.

  • Electricity (Portland General Electric – PGE)

    • Use PGE’s outage map for storm updates and to report outages.
    • Consider signing up for outage alerts and keeping a small emergency kit for winter windstorms.

  • Natural Gas (NW Natural)

    • Call NW Natural immediately if you smell gas; leave the area and avoid using switches or devices.

  • Internet/TV/Phone

    • Common providers include Xfinity and Ziply Fiber; 5G home internet from carriers may be available.
    • Availability is address‑specific—check your exact location before you move.

  • Police, Fire & EMS

    • Police services are provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (Cornelius Police). Call 911 for emergencies and the county’s non‑emergency line for routine requests.
    • Fire/EMS responses come from nearby regional stations serving Cornelius (Forest Grove/Hillsboro area). For emergencies, dial 911.

  • Library, Parks, and Community

    • The Cornelius Public Library (part of WCCLS) offers free Wi‑Fi, cards for residents, events, and Spanish/English services. It’s a great local hub downtown.
    • City parks feature playgrounds, picnic spots, and open lawns. Larger sports complexes and trails are minutes away in Forest Grove and Hillsboro.

  • Permits & Planning

    • The City handles planning and land use. Many building permits (structural, electrical, plumbing) are issued through Washington County; the City can direct you.
    • Work in the right‑of‑way (driveways, sidewalks) typically needs a City permit.

  • Transportation

    • TriMet Line 57 runs along TV Highway, connecting Forest Grove → Cornelius → Hillsboro → Beaverton.
    • The MAX Blue Line ends in downtown Hillsboro (about 10–15 minutes east), linking to Beaverton and Portland.
    • Traffic on TV Highway is busy at rush hours; plan extra time.

  • Health & Schools

    • Nearby hospitals: Hillsboro Medical Center (downtown Hillsboro) and Kaiser Westside (NE Hillsboro).
    • Cornelius is in the Forest Grove School District; schools and bus routes are close by.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Moving in

    • Start City water/sewer a few days before move‑in to avoid gaps.
    • Ask your landlord or realtor which trash hauler serves your address.
    • Compare internet speeds by address; fiber availability varies street‑to‑street.

  • Prepare for weather

    • Winter: wind/ice can cause power outages—keep flashlights and charged batteries ready.
    • Fall: bag leaves or use your yard cart; don’t rake into streets.
    • Summer: practice water conservation; irrigation schedules help control bills.

  • Save key contacts

    • City Utility Billing and Public Works
    • Your trash hauler’s customer service
    • PGE outage reporting
    • NW Natural gas emergency
    • Washington County non‑emergency dispatch

  • Money‑saving ideas

    • Ask the City about payment plans and utility assistance if you need help.
    • Use Washington County’s tools to reduce waste and right‑size your garbage cart.

Frequently Asked Questions About City of Cornelius Services & Utilities

  • How far is Cornelius from Portland?

    • About 25 miles west. By car it’s roughly 45–60 minutes off‑peak; transit via Line 57 plus MAX Blue Line.

  • Who picks up my trash and recycling?

    • Cornelius uses franchised haulers. Your provider depends on your address; check the City or Washington County’s day‑finder tool.

  • How do I start City water/sewer service?

    • Contact the City’s Utility Billing during weekday business hours. Be ready with ID, service address, and move‑in date. A deposit may be required.

  • What if the power goes out?

    • Report it via PGE’s outage map/app or phone line. Avoid downed wires and call 911 if there’s immediate danger.

  • Is Cornelius kid‑friendly?

    • Yes—small parks, library programs, and short drives to larger playgrounds, pools, and sports fields in Forest Grove and Hillsboro.

  • Where do I get building permits?

    • The City handles planning/zoning. Most structural permits are issued by Washington County. Start with the City—they’ll point you to the right office.

Summary

City of Cornelius Services & Utilities are straightforward: the City manages water, sewer, stormwater, streets, parks, and the library; regional partners provide police and fire; private companies provide power, gas, internet, and trash service. Set up City water/sewer, choose your internet and trash providers by address, and keep outage/emergency contacts handy.

  • Moving to Cornelius, Oregon: Neighborhoods, Commute, and Everyday Life
  • Cornelius Public Library: What to Know Before You Go
  • Getting Around the Westside: Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro Transit and Driving Tips